The three companies teamed up a year ago to partner and fund innovative learning programs as part of a continued commitment towards mining sector workplaces that are free from sexual harassment, bullying and racism.
Since then, Rio released a disturbing report into its workplace culture, while the Western Australian government handed down the damning Enough is Enough report into sexual harassment in the state's fly-in, fly-out mining sector.
The three companies have worked together with leading experts to design and develop a program aimed at educating new mining entrants, which is a first for the sector.
The evidence-based program will educate participants about the impact of sexual harassment, bullying and racism, including how to recognise and report these behaviours.
The Building Safe and Respectful Workplaces pilot program, managed by the Australian Minerals and Energy Skills Alliance (AUSMESA), will be delivered on November 15 and 16 by experienced facilitators from Griffith University.
The pilot program will be completed by 30 volunteers who are currently undertaking apprenticeships or traineeships with the three companies.
The results of the pilot will be fully evaluated and feedback from the participants will be used to finalise the learning program.
It is intended the program will be delivered from early next year with a particular focus on new entrants to the mining industry.
Rio Iron Ore chief executive Simon Trott said the launch of the pilot was a key milestone in our broader commitment to create a workplace culture that is safe, respectful and inclusive.
"Building awareness through education on how we can create safer work environments through the prevention and elimination of sexual harassment, bullying and racism is vital to ensuring those joining our industry feel safe," he said.
BHP WA Iron Ore asset president Brandon Craig said the program would help educate the next generation of workers to ensure the industry's workplaces were safe, respectful and inclusive.
"While we know there is more to do, this pilot is part of our redoubled efforts to eliminate sexual harassment and is in addition to a range of other measures including improved security at accommodation villages, additional public disclosures, specialised resources and company-wide training," he said.
BHP revealed last week that it had spent more than US$200 million on upgrades to security at accommodation villages in the past year.
FMG chief operating officer Dino Otranto said there was zero tolerance for inappropriate behaviour.
"We remain firmly committed to ensuring that Fortescue has safe and inclusive workplaces, and that the mining industry as a whole is a safe and welcoming place for everyone who works within it," he said.
The companies will engage across industry and education providers on how to broaden the reach of the program.
It is anticipated the training course will be made available to other industries in the future through a range of education pathways.
